ANACOM - Autoridade Nacional de Comunicações has approved the public consultation report on VoIP, which sets out regulatory guidelines for this new service. In the light of the rising consumer demand, it has become necessary to clarify the obligations and rights of VoIP service providers and, most importantly, ensure that consumer interests are protected and that competition is encouraged. ANACOM has also created a new "30" number range in the National Numbering Plan to accommodate nomadic Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) numbers.
As regards numbering and portability, the regulator considered that, where VoIP is provided to a fixed location, a geographic number could be attributed, with the service provider being responsible for fulfilling this requirement (Use at a single fixed location). At the same time, however, it was decided to make a new range of non-geographic numbers available that would distinguish nomadic-use VoIP from fixed telephone services. Accordingly portability within the "30" number range should already be implemented by providers. This measure is designed as a stimulus for the market, making it easier for customers to switch providers and encouraging competition and consumer choice.
Concerning access to the emergency service, ANACOM considers that all VoIP providers, including nomadic-use VoIP whose services are included in the National Numbering Plan, should ensure the service provides connection to 112, as well as CLI - Calling Line Identification, a function which identifies the caller's number so that the emergency services can call them back.
The Regulation on Quality of Service, which sets quality parameters for services providing access to the public telephone network at a fixed location and for public fixed-line telephone services, also applies to providers of fixed-location VoIP services.
The regulator further considers that VoIP providers, including nomadic-use VoIP, could negotiate the terms of interconnection contracts, maintaining the same basic principles that currently apply to interconnection agreements. In particular interconnection with PTC could be based on the Reference Interconnection Offer (RIO). Likewise the establishment of Service Level Agreements (SLAs) between operators, in which the details of technical issues are addressed, could be fundamental for developing VoIP interconnection. However the way should be left open for the creation of an industry-specific code of conduct especially in the context of Apritel.
In relation to the 112 emergency number access, ANACOM considers that VoIP operators should provide their users with information in writing about any restrictions of access to 112. This information should be provided to the customer before signing the contract and should be a document separate from any other information that the provider may make available.
Providers of VoIP at a fixed location and nomadic-use VoIP where a number has been allocated should adopt the recommendations that have been made about the minimum requirements for contract content concerning the provision of public telephone services. Providers of nomadic-use VoIP where no number has been attributed should adopt the recommendations that have been made about the minimum requirements for contract content concerning the provision of electronic communication services.
ICP-ANACOM intends to follow an approach to VoIP regulation in line with the objectives of regulation as set in law, especially regarding the promotion of competition, the encouragement of diverse and innovative services, quality of services, the efficient use of numbering and the defense of consumer interest (in particular ensuring that consumers receive accurate, relevant and up-to-date information).
Accordingly the public consultation document on the regulatory approach to Voice over Internet Protocol was approved by the Deliberation of 4 November 2005. During the period of public consultation, input from the following organizations was received: Apritel, Ericsson, G9SA, HCV, Media Capital Telecomunicações, Netcall, Neuvex, Nortenet, Onitelecom, Grupo PT, Radiomóvel, SGC Telecom, Sonaecom, Tele2 and Vodafone.
Consult:
- VoIP and opening of associated numbering range https://www.anacom.pt/render.jsp?contentId=1092219
